Gov. Heineman criticizes legislature’s tax cut priorities (AUDIO)

Gov. Dave Heineman asserts the legislature has misplaced its priorities on tax relief.

Heineman says for now he’s just keeping an eye on how legislators approach tax breaks.

“Right now, they’re just having a discussion. They haven’t made any decisions,” Heineman tells reporters during a news conference. “So, we’re watching with interest, but let me be very clear. The priority for tax relief should be Nebraska citizens, Nebraska families, Nebraska seniors and Nebraska veterans.”

The Revenue Committee has advanced a few tax break bills. One would give a tax to so-called angel investors. Another one would enhance the tax break for those saving for college.

But, a proposal to provide a tax break for an out-of-state company to build a $300 million wind-energy farm near Allen draws Heineman’s ire.

“I can’t believe the priority of the legislature would be a special tax break for an out-of-state company without providing tax relief for Nebraskans,” Heineman says.

The Revenue Committee deadlocked on a proposal to provide a tax break for Social Security recipients and military retirees, failing to advance the proposals to the full legislature for debate.